Family of Greg Brooks Jr. announces LSU DB underwent emergency surgery for brain tumor

LSU defender Greg Brooks Jr. missed last weekend’s game at Mississippi State, simply listed as “unavailable” on the team’s injury report. More info has since come to light on why.

Brooks Jr. suffered a medical emergency that precluded him from playing. And on Wednesday morning, his family released some information on what happened.

The talented LSU defensive back was “diagnosed last week with a large brain tumor that required emergency surgery.”

“Doctors successfully performed the procedure Friday to remove the mass, and we are awaiting biopsy results,” the family wrote in a post shared on Twitter. “We are grateful for the work and the care of these medical staff helping Greg through these challenges and for the concern and love poured out by so many in the Louisiana, Arkansas and national sports communities. That means the world to us in this difficult time.”

LSU coach Brian Kelly had previously noted that Greg Brooks Jr. had suffered a ‘medical emergency’ but had declined to provide further details.

The veteran defensive back is one of the anchors in the LSU secondary, recording eight tackles and two pass break-ups in the first two games of the season before leaving the lineup due to the emergency.

“Greg continues to fight, and we await further clarity on the extent of that battle,” his family wrote. “His incredible strength of character gives us confidence, but we also know that he needs our support now more than ever. Please keep Greg and our family in your prayers.”

Greg Brooks Jr. transferred to LSU from Arkansas prior to the 2022 season. He has been a productive player at both SEC West stops.

In five years, Brooks has totaled 186 tackles, 9.0 tackles for a loss, a sack, a forced fumble, six interceptions and 19 pass breakups.

As a recruit, Brooks was a high four-star prospect, ranked as the No. 348 overall player in the 2019 recruiting class. He was the nation’s No. 32 cornerback in his cycle and the No. 19 overall player in the state of Louisiana, hailing from Harvey (La.) West Jefferson.